M&A Activity • Jan 3, 2023
M&A Activity
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer
Zenith Energy Ltd. (LSE: ZEN; OSE: ZENA), the energy company with proven revenue generating production, exploration and development assets in Africa and Europe, is pleased to announce that a company in which it holds a 49% interest, Zenith Energy Netherlands B.V. ("Zenith Netherlands") has entered into a share purchase agreement ("SPA") with OMV Exploration and Production GmbH ("OMV" or the "Seller") to acquire 100% of the outstanding share capital of OMV (Yemen Block S 2) Exploration GmbH, OMV Jardan Block 3 Upstream GmbH and OMV Block 70 Upstream GmbH (collectively "OMV Yemen"), which are all companies incorporated and existing under the laws of Austria.
OMV Yemen holds a balanced exploration portfolio comprising Block 3 (34% working interest) and Block 70 (19.24% working interest).
Significant associated gas volumes have been recorded with oil production across OMV Yemen's portfolio giving evidence of substantial natural gas production potential from S-2, Block 3, and Block 70.
A gas discovery has been made in Block 3, representing a major opportunity for the monetisation of OMV's Yemen natural gas production, all of which is currently flared.
Several gas production offtake options are already under discussion including the possibility of a connection being made to a local power station or to Yemen LNG.
Zenith may also explore the construction of a 'Gas-to-Power'("GTP") plant, as successfully carried out in Italy, to commercialize gas production and provide additional electricity supply to the local economy.
Gross total recoverable gas volumes have been estimated by OMV, across the OMV Yemen portfolio, to be approximately 571 BSCF.
"The acquisition of OMV Yemen represents a very significant milestone for Zenith Energy.
The existing production from the asset and, more importantly, the near-term future oil and natural gas production indicated by the size of the reserves, position Zenith on an extremely exciting organic growth trajectory.
I take the chance to thank OMV and its management for its cooperation in this transaction. Our technical teams shall continue to work closely together as we enter the handover phase and welcome our new colleagues in Yemen to the Zenith family.
Finally, we look forward with enthusiasm to establishing ourselves in Yemen and contributing to the prosperity of the local economy. It is our belief that the country has extraordinary economic potential, especially in respect of its oil and gas industry, and we shall seek to maximise our relationship with the local authorities to achieve our development objectives."
Under the terms of the SPA, Zenith Netherlands will, subject to the conditions set forth in the SPA, acquire 100% of OMV's shares in OMV Yemen at completion for a total consideration of US\$ 21,619,000 (the "Base Purchase Price").
Zenith Netherlands has paid a deposit of US\$4,323,800 which shall be credited by the Seller to Zenith Netherlands as part of the Purchase Price upon completion.
The obligations set out in the SPA of the Seller and Zenith Netherlands to consummate the sale and purchase of the shares in OMV Yemen at completion are subject to, inter alia, the approval of the authorities in Yemen, and the approval by the Federal Ministry of the Republic of Austria for Labour and Economy in respect of the transfer of shares from OMV to Zenith Netherlands ("Completion"). The SPA has a longstop date of nine months from the date of signing.
A Transitional Services Agreement ("TSA") may be signed between OMV and Zenith Netherlands at or around completion to govern certain services to be provided by OMV or its affiliates to Zenith Netherlands after completion if OMV and Zenith Netherlands determine that such agreement shall be required to optimise the handover of OMV Yemen.
-ENDS-
| Zenith Energy Ltd | |
|---|---|
| Andrea Cattaneo, Chief Executive Officer | Tel: +1 (587) 315 9031 E: [email protected] |
| BlytheRay - Financial PR/IR Tim Blythe, Megan Ray, Matt Bowld |
Tel: +44 207 138 3204 E: [email protected] |
| Alternative Resource Capital - Broker |
|
| Alex Wood | Tel: +44 (0) 207 186 9004 |
| Keith Dowsing | Tel: + 44 (0) 207 186 9005 |
Zenith Energy Ltd. is a revenue generating, independent energy company with production, exploration and development assets in Tunisia, Italy, and the Republic of the Congo, including electricity generation in Italy. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market (LSE: ZEN) and the Euronext Growth of the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: ZENA).
Zenith's strategic focus is on pursuing transformational opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe through the development of proven revenue generating oil, gas, and electricity production assets, as well as low-risk exploration activities in assets with existing production.
For more information, please visit: www.zenithenergy.ca
Twitter: @zenithenergyltd
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3A5PRJb
The information included in this announcement is defined as inside information pursuant to MAR article 7 and is publicly disclosed in accordance with MAR article 17 and section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The announcement is made by the contact person.
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.